At My Pharmacy Clinics, we offer convenient flu vaccinations delivered by trained healthcare professionals.
Why Should I Have a Flu Vaccination?
Flu is not simply a bad cold. It is caused by influenza viruses and can cause symptoms including:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Reduced appetite
Most people recover, but flu can occasionally lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and may require hospital treatment.
Vaccination is particularly important for people who are more likely to become seriously unwell if they catch flu.
Who Can Get a Free NHS Flu Vaccination in 2026/27?
For the 2026/27 season, NHS flu vaccination is available to eligible groups. These include people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, people with certain long-term health conditions, people living in care homes and some carers and household contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
Eligibility can depend on your individual circumstances, so our pharmacy team can check whether you qualify.
What If I Am Not Eligible for a Free NHS Flu Jab?
You may still want protection against flu even if you do not qualify for an NHS vaccination.
At My Pharmacy Clinics, private flu vaccination may be available for people who are not covered by the NHS programme, subject to suitability.
This can be particularly useful for people who want to protect themselves before the winter season, people who work closely with others, or those who simply want additional protection against seasonal flu.
When Should I Have My Flu Jab?
Flu vaccination is offered each year because circulating influenza viruses can change and protection from previous vaccinations reduces over time.
For most eligible people, the NHS flu vaccination programme begins from 1 October 2026, while some groups, including pregnant women, can receive their vaccination earlier.
Can I Have My Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Together?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment.
Our healthcare professional will assess your suitability before vaccination.
Are There Side Effects?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. You may experience tenderness or discomfort where the injection was given, aching, headache, tiredness or a mild temperature.
Serious reactions are rare. Before administering your vaccine, we will ask about your medical history, allergies and previous reactions to vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the flu vaccine give you flu?
The injected flu vaccine cannot give you flu. Some people may experience mild and temporary side effects after vaccination, such as tenderness at the injection site, aching, headache, tiredness or a mild temperature.
Do I need a flu vaccination every year?
Flu vaccination is offered each year because the influenza viruses circulating in the population can change and protection from previous vaccination reduces over time.
When is the best time to get a flu jab?
For most eligible people, the NHS flu vaccination programme begins from 1 October 2026. Some groups, including pregnant women, can receive their vaccination earlier.
Can I have a flu jab if I am not eligible for a free NHS vaccination?
Yes. You may still want protection against seasonal flu even if you do not meet the NHS eligibility criteria. Private flu vaccination may be available through My Pharmacy Clinics, subject to clinical suitability.
Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same appointment. A healthcare professional will assess your suitability before vaccination.
How should I book my NHS Flu Vaccination?
Book, cancel or change flu jab vaccination appointment using the NHS Flu Jab or call 119.
